Humans often make the mistake of interpreting dog or cat communication signals as if they were human.
Dogs and cats often mistake human body language as if we were dogs or cats.
So it’s important for animals and humans to begin speaking the same language, pet behavior specialist Melissa Shyan-Norwalt said.
She’s an associate professor at the University of Rio Grande, in Rio Grande, Ohio — and runs a pet behavior consulting business, Companion Animal Problem Solvers Inc.
She will offer a free presentation, “Social and Communication Signals in Cats and Dogs” at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Red Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St. in Columbus.
This presentation will show how to accurately interpret dog and cat facial expressions and body language, based on scientific research. The presentation will also discuss common behavior concerns that can arise with dogs and cats, and the misinterpretations, errors and likely solutions that can arise in interpreting these behaviors.
Shyan-Norwalt’s current research areas include the human-animal bond, dog aggression, cat behavior, and environmental and socialization enrichment for companion animals.
Information: 812-379-1255; mybcpl.org
